University’s central digital hub:
- Office of Government Relations website has been reviewed and updated to provide a more robust snapshot of Community Engagement work across the university.
- Expanded focus on faculty experts and storytelling (University Communications): Keeping in close touch with OIX and UDOs about stories showcasing diverse voices and demonstrating UB values.
- Inclusive Marketing Communications Best Practices (University Communications). Better align marketing communications with UB’s values of inclusion, diversity, anti-racism and equity; ensure stories, language and imagery reflect an equitable institutional culture.
Applying consistent language when describing community engagement work:
- University Communications has developed a style guide for consistency when reporting on UB’s endeavors in the community. The style guide is being shared with communicators across campus.
Facilitation and organization of community engagement-centric learning opportunities:
- Community engagement-centric Lunch & Learn series planned for 2023.
Community Engagement Advisory Board:
- On hold until the new Director of Community Relations starts.
Community Engagement Annual Report:
- On hold until the new Director of Community Relations starts.
Encourage external community voices:
- Community Relations staff continues to participate in community meetings.
- University continues to host and coordinate events such as the Igniting Hope Conference and the Safe Schools Initiative Seminar, which bring community members together to create progress and encourage collaboration.
Comprehensive assessment tool to determine efficacy:
- Assessment tool is being developed in conjunction with the Community Engagement Learning Series.
Community engagement micro-credential/Community engagement orientation:
- In development - The Basics of Community Engagement Learning Series will serve as an introduction to community engagement for UB faculty and staff interested in developing community-centric programs and initiatives, highlighting specific guiding principles that are crucial to employ when undertaking work in the community.
Community engagement grant program and award:
- Not under the auspices of the Office of Community Relations. Referred to Scholarship, Tenure and Recognition Subcommittee.
Consider engaged scholarship in promotion and tenure:
- Not under the auspices of the Office of Community Relations. Referred to Scholarship, Tenure and Recognition Subcommittee.
Re-establish the community’s “front-door” with the renovation of Allen Hall:
- Allen Hall’s Civic Room is back online and has been used for a number of community events, including a town hall with the NYS Department of Agriculture.
- Renovation of Community Relations office space is in progress.
Support and encourage the expansion of K-12 pipeline programs for traditionally underrepresented students:
- This is a conducted university-wide (see for example, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Education, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, etc.)
